A talk

"I wanted to talk about," she shrugs, "Us."

"Us?" Ethan saw this coming but holds back slightly. In his experience, letting a woman get what's on her chest off was the best course of action. And not just in conversations.

Ashley shifts on the couch cushion. "I did some thinking after..." she gives Ethan a knowing look, "Last night, and I've realized I like you more than I thought I did."

Ethan raises a brow, "How much did you think you liked me?" He tries not to sound to much like a shit saying it.

"A decent amount," Ashley shifts her shoulders in what could almost be called a shrug, "But now I... Ethan are you..." she starts to fidget with her fingers. "Um, well..."

It doesn't take a master of deduction to tell Ashley is nervous. Ethan contemplates for a moment speaking up, but he can see the dusky young lady is working up to asking what she wants to ask.

"Are you going to the town fare?"

Ethan's jaw slacks slightly. He wasn't expecting that to be the question. "Uh... yeah?"

"Hm," Ashley nods, "Do you want to go with me?"

"Ah." Now THAT is more what he was expecting, "Well, I mean..."

"Wait," Ashley closes her eyes, exhaling, "Could you think about it for a bit before answering?"

"Why would I need to think about it?"

"It's just... Charlie..." Ashley sighs, "I'm basically throwing myself at you... Doesn't feel fair, you know? Just... take some time and think about what you want... What you REALLY want, okay?"

"Okay..." Ethan chooses to not think about what she's implying too deeply, "Wait, so this is you throwing yourself at me?"

Ashley rolls her eyes, but can't hide a smile.